Stuart Skinner speaks openly to media about his role in loss to the Florida Panthers.
Photo credit: https://i.markerzone.com/i/z.gif
Since losing in their second-straight Stanley Cup Final, much has been written about the Oilers' so-called 'goalie controversy'; analysts suggesting what might be best for the team moving forward.
We've even read comments made by Oilers' GM Stan Bowman, saying that he's happy to go into next season with the current goalie tandem of Skinner-Pickard.
Yet, we haven't heard too much from the actual goalies themselves - until recently, that is. Stuart Skinner recently spoke with NHL.com's Derek Van Diest commenting on how he returned to the ice August 1st, skating in his offseason home of Kelowna, B.C.
«I think I got back on the ice a little too quick last summer, talking about the [preparation] experience part again,» Skinner said, «Going into the season, I want to be as fresh as I can, as strong as I can."
Given Edmonton's second-consecutive loss in the Stanley Cup Final last season, there is no accounting for experience, both in terms of what to expect, and the psychological preparation going into next season. Often, it's a loss that provides the greatest opportunity for learning.
«Just mentally being able to let go and put hockey aside for a couple of weeks and have that excitement of wanting to get back on the ice and get back to work," Stuart Skinner said. "I've definitely found that. It was hard to stay off as long as I did, but that's a really good sign. It means you really love the game.»
Stuart Skinner enters the final year of his 3-year, $2.6M AAV extension he signed in December, 2022; if not re-signed before July 1st, 2026, he becomes an unrestricted free agent.
Needless to say, this next season is a pivotal one for Stuart Skinner, who many blame, together with Calvin Pickard, for the Oilers losing against the Florida Panthers the last two Finals. That may, or may not be so, though both goaltenders had games in which they performed poorly.
But there is no accounting for experience. In the last two years, Stuart Skinner has played 38 playoff games, with a record of 21 wins and 16 losses; he'd like nothing more than to add an additional 16 wins to the win column.
The Oilers, as to be expected, have aspirations of winning the Stanley Cup this season. A trip to the final would make them the 16th team in NHL history, and 6th time in the modern era, that a team has made it to 3-straight finals.
«I think going through it the first time, you go through that experience in the summer and then you realize the things you did well and the things you didn't do well,» said Skinner. «So going through it a second time, which is obviously devastating, but being able to say you went through this does actually help you get over it quicker."
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